Credit: UniversalIf you’ve never been to Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN), you’re in for an experience unlike anything else. Running select nights from August 29 through November 2, HHN turns Universal Studios Florida into a full-on Halloween wonderland—with 10 haunted houses, immersive scare zones, creepy treats, and even scarier merchandise scattered throughout the park.
For horror fans, it’s like stepping straight into the middle of a movie. For everyone else… well, let’s just say it’s an adrenaline rush you won’t forget. After going to HHN more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few things that make the night much smoother and more fun. But first, let’s talk about what’s waiting for you this year.
2025 Horror Nights Lineup
This year’s lineup blends big-name horror IPs with twisted original concepts from Universal’s creative team. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Haunted Houses:
Five Nights at Freddy’s – Step inside the dark, animatronic-filled nightmare.
The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks – A WWE cult that will haunt your dreams.
Terrifier – Art the Clown returns to ruin your sleep.
Jason Universe – Multiple Friday the 13th settings brought together for maximum chaos.
Fallout – The post-apocalyptic game comes to life in all its mutated glory.
Hatchet and Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters – Backwoods slasher horror at its goriest.
Dolls: Let’s Play Dead – Terrifying toys that aren’t here for fun.
Grave of Flesh – A cemetery of nightmares and unholy creations.
Galkin: Monsters of the North – Folklore monster terrorizing a remote village.
El Artista: A Spanish Haunting – A Spanish haunting steeped in mystery and vengeance.
Scare Zones:
The Cat Lady of Crooked Lane – Twisted feline horrors roam the streets.
Mutations: Toxic Twenties – Prohibition meets radioactive mutation.
Masquerade: Dance With Death – An elegant ball where the dead waltz forever.
Origins of Horror – A decaying conservatory full of terrifying crows and monstrous gargoyles.
Tip #1 – Rest Up Before You Go
HHN may start later in the day, but that doesn’t mean it’s easier on your feet. On my first visit, I walked over 13 miles—more than I usually walk on a full park day. When waiting for rides, you often have some places to lean against a wall or even sit.
Horror Nights is walking and standing. All. Night. Long. The lines are packed and often nowhere near anything to lean against. There’s no place or room to try to relieve some pressure from your tired legs.
If you want to make it through the night without limping back to your hotel, spend your day lounging by the pool or relaxing in your room. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Tip #2 – Wear Comfortable Shoes
Speaking of walking, that leads us to tip #2. Shoes. Yes, costumes are allowed, and yes, they can be fun. But the wrong shoes will ruin your night. Skip open-toed footwear (crowds get tight, and your toes will be stepped on), avoid heels (houses can have steps, platforms, or uneven flooring), and just go for sturdy, cushioned sneakers. Your feet—and your future self—will thank you.
Tip #3 – Eat Before You Enter (Or Know Where to Go)
Themed food stands get long lines fast, and while the snacks are fun, they’re not exactly a full meal. Universal does great advertising for the HHN food, but doesn’t actually do as great a job making it taste good.
I recommend grabbing dinner before you head in, or if you must eat inside the park, hit the Simpsons’ Krusty Burger area. It’s usually less chaotic because it’s away from the busiest houses, and you can grab a burger, hot dog, or chicken tenders without losing too much time.
Tip #4 – Get Snacks Early
Special HHN treats and drinks can—and do—sell out before the night is over. If you see something you want, don’t save it for the end of the night. The same goes for the limited-edition cups and souvenir popcorn buckets.
Another thing to remember is that as these stands line up, it takes forever—and I do mean forever. Every individual order is made as it’s placed. They don’t have any food ready-to-go. So, even with two or three people in front of you, getting your order may still take 15-20 minutes.
Tip #6 – Arrive Early
Officially, HHN houses open at 6:30 p.m., but many people don’t stroll in until after dinner. That early window is prime time for hitting one of the big-ticket houses—Terrifier, Jason Universe, FNAF, or Fallout—before lines skyrocket. As soon as the late arrivals wave sweeps in, they will immediately target these houses.
I’d recommend knocking out your most anticipated house early (or whichever popular house is toward the back of the park). Then try to reevaluate when times are down or when the park is getting closer to closing, which isn’t until 2 a.m. Starting from the back of the park and working your way to the front is probably the best option, considering most guests flock to whatever is closest first. Regardless of your course of action, arrive early.
Tip #7 – Use the Universal App
The Universal app is your best friend. It shows each house’s location and wait time. If you see one of the high-demand houses’ wait time dip to 30–50 minutes, go for it. Wait times fluctuate all night, and being flexible will help you hit more houses.
BUT don’t waste your steps just wandering all night. If the haunted house you were dying to go to is the one that drops – go for it. I wouldn’t spend my whole night doing this, or you’re just circling the entire park and missing out on the other houses and attractions. Be strategic but don’t be over-the-top.
Tip #8 – Hydrate
It may be nighttime, but it’s still Florida. Dehydration is a real risk due to the heat, humidity, and being packed shoulder-to-shoulder in scare zones. Keep a water bottle handy—you do not want to be the person who passes out in front of Art the Clown.
Tip #9 – Pick Your Date Wisely
If you’re crowd-averse, avoid October—especially Halloween night (which falls on a Friday this year). It’s one of the busiest nights of the season. Early to mid-September is your best bet for lighter crowds and shorter waits, even if the Halloween atmosphere isn’t as intense.
Weekends will also be busier. The best time to go is a Wednesday or Thursday night in September. But if you must go during the weekend, choose Sunday night. Fewer Florida residents attend on Sunday nights because they work the next day.
Tip #10 – Consider an Express Pass
This is my most important tip for Horror Nights. Express Passes aren’t cheap (they can be up to $200 extra per person), but they cut your wait times dramatically—often by more than half. Without it, you might spend hours waiting for just a few houses. With it, you can hit all 10 houses, ride the four attractions that stay open (Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black Alien Attack, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and Transformers: The Ride 3D), and still have time for snacks and shopping.
I skipped it my first year and spent the whole night running from line to line, missing out on several houses and other HHN experiences. The following year, I got an Express Pass; the difference was night and day. I’m not one to push spending more money, BUT this is one add-on I would highly advise.
The Last Word on Surviving Horror Nights 2025
Halloween Horror Nights is one of Universal Orlando Resort’s crown jewels, and if you go in with a plan, you can have the kind of night you’ll be talking about for years. This year’s lineup is a perfect mix of fan-favorite franchises and original nightmares, with scare zones and atmosphere that make the whole park feel alive—or undead.
Take care of your feet, manage your time, and avoid splurging on that Express Pass. Above all, let yourself get lost in the fog, the screams, and the over-the-top Halloween magic.
If it’s your first HHN, I have one last piece of advice—brace yourself. Once you go, you’ll want to make it an annual tradition.